Tag Archive | "wrestlers"

This past weekend, most of the West Michigan Pursuit team traveled to Alma for a chance to earn a first place Monster Trophy, and four grapplers also entered into the Lakewood tournament. WMP took 23 grapplers to compete and placed 13 in the top four.

“It’s a proud moment when I see four of my grapplers wrestling on separate mats at the same time and all four of them win by fall within seconds of each other. That would have been a great picture to capture on film,” said Owner and Head Coach Dave Andrus.

This week the team battled 75 times with 46 ending in victory. Results are as follows:

4th Place Medalists include Owen Meinke in the 9/10 Novice age group, in the 71 lb wt class.

3rd Place Medalists include Chayson Eberspeaker in the 4/5/6 age group in the 55 lb wt class, Luke Egan in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class, Kameron Ogden in the 7/8 Novice age group in the 55 lb wt class, Zak Schmid in the 11/12 age group in the 158 lb wt class and Maston Wood in the 9/10 age group in the 130 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalists include and Gage Bowen in the 7/8 Open age group in the 82 lb wt class and Xavier Contreras in the 11/12 age group in the 75 lb wt class.

Champions are Lee Braun in the 7/8 age group in the 58 lb wt class, Jayden Marcano-Cruz in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 46 lb wt class, Blake Peasley in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64 lb wt class, Lucus Pienton in the 13/14/15 Open age group in the 138 lb wt class, and Josh Vasquez in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class.

If you are interested in learning more about this sport or if your wrestler is looking to compete at the next level, check out West Michigan Pursuit. We are located at the Cedar Springs Sports Plex, practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Despite snowy weather and school closings, Cedar Springs youth wrestlers have been busy the last couple weeks wrestling in four different tournaments.

On January 25, wrestlers attended the Orchardview tournament at Orchardview High School in Muskegon. There were a total of 11 medals earned.

In the Novice division, medal winners in the 4-6 age group were Veronica Tapia 2nd at 40lb, Tucker Crystal 3rd at 43lb and Analize Tapia 3rd at 43b. Winners in the 7/8 age group were Hudson Crystal 3rd at v65lb and Wyatt Cooper 2nd at 97lb. Andrew VanGessel took 3rd at 75lbs in the 9/10 age group. In the 13-15 age group winners were Fredrick White 85lb and Seth Biggs 122 lb both with 1st place finishes.

Winners in the Open division were Carter Falan 2nd at 85 lb in the 9/10 age group. In the 11/12 age group, Trevor Marsman took 1st at 75lb and Alexandria Castro 4th at 119lb. In the 13-15 age group was Logan Hull 3rd at 107lb. Gage Gardner also wrestled in the 13-15 age group at a separate tournament held in Okemos. Gage took 3rd at 170lb.

On February 1, wrestlers battled through the first big snow storm of 2015 at the annual GVSU Tournament on the campus of Grand Valley State University. While snow piled up and the wind blew outside, Cedar youth wrestlers were blowing away the competition on the mat inside, bringing home a grand total of 16 trophies.

Winners in the Novice division in the 4-6 age group were Eli Gunderson 4th at 37lb, Veronica Tapia 1st at 40lb, Analize Tapia 4th at 43lb, and Taylor Gunderson 4th at 46lb. In the 7/8 age group were Cora Gonzales 3rd at 52lb, Hudson Crystal 4th at 64lb and Wyatt Cooper 1st at 97. Kamden Klaasen took 4th at 90lb in the 11/12 age group and Fredrick White took 1st at 80lb in the 13-15 age group.

Winners in the Open division 7/8 age group were Keaton Klaasen

1st at 55lb and Pistachio Gonzales 2nd at 58lb. In the 11/12 age group were Trevor Marsman 4th at 70lb and Aiden Bouwens 4th at 119lb. In the 13-15 age group were Austin Emmorey 1st at 100lb, Reese Gonzales 1st at 107lb and Allexis Gonzales 3rd at 130lb. Gage Gardner traveled to Howell where he took 2nd at 170lb in the 13-15 age group.

This past weekend’s Western Region tournament was held by Grand Valley State University, where West Michigan Pursuit traveled thru the crazy Michigan weather to compete. WMP took 23 grapplers to compete this weekend and placed 13 in the top three.

“I just want to thank the wrestlers’ who train under me, thank you for stepping out on the mat and working as hard as you do, you truly are the Pursuit of Champions,” said Owner and Head Coach Dave Andrus.

This week the team battled 67 times with 38 ending in victory. Results are as follows:

3rd Place Medalists include Casey Eberspeaker in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalists include and Gage Bowen in the 7/8 Open age group in the 82 lb wt class, Derek Egan in the 13/14/15 Novice age group in the 90/95 lb wt class, Luke Egan in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class, Jayden Marcano-Cruz in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 46 lb wt class, Kameron Ogden in the 7/8 Novice age group in the 52 lb wt class, Blake Peasley in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64 lb wt class and Maston Wood in the 9/10 age group in the 130 lb wt class.

Champions are Chayson Eberspeaker in the 4/5/6 age group in the 55 lb wt class, Landon Foss in the 7/8 Open age group in the 49/52 lb wt class (Portland Tournament), Lucus Pienton in the 13/14/15 Open age group in the 138 lb wt class, Zak Schmid in the 11/12 Open age group in the 133 lb wt class and Josh Vasquez in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class. Special Recognition to Zak Schmid who remains undefeated.

If you are interested in learning more about this sport or if your wrestler is looking to compete at the next level, check out West Michigan Pursuit. We are located at the Cedar Springs Sports Plex, practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Most developmental youth wrestling tournaments host an average of 400-500 wrestlers, ages 4 to 15, competing for custom medals awarded to the top four finishers in each class. On Sunday, January 18, a record setting number of wrestlers, over 730, participated in the Byron Center tournament hosted at Byron Center high school.

Competition was fierce as Cedar Springs youth wrestlers secured a total of 14 placers, some of whom had up to 15 wrestlers in their weight class.

Placers in the 4-6 year age division were Eli Gunderson 3rd at 37lb, Bryson Streeter 4th at 37lb, Veronica Tapia 1st at 40lb, Tucker Crystal 4th at 40lb, and Tyler Parmeter 2nd at 55lb.

Placers in the 7/8 year age division were Cora Gonzales 1st at 55lb, Keaton Klaasen 4th at 55lb and Pistachio Gonzales 3rd at 61lb.

Placers in the 9/10 year age division were Tacho Gonzales 4th at 71lb and Carter Falan 3rd at 85lb.

Placers in the 11/12 year age division were Trevor Marsman 3rd at 71lb and Kamden Klaasen 3rd at 90lb.

Rounding out the results were Austin Emmorey 1st at 100 lb and Reese Gonzales 2nd at 107lb in the 13-15 year age division.

Coaches Bryan Goike, George Gonzales Sr. and Jake Marsman are all very impressed with the hard work and progress the kids have been making.

Coach George said, “The kids’ dedication to working hard, even at this young age, shows when the kids show up to a tournament of this size and still place top four. Even the kids who did not medal wrestled with all their hearts. That’s what makes them winners.”

Reeths Puffer hosted this past weekend’s Western Region tournament. Even though there was a winter advisory, West Michigan Pursuit brought 15 competitors, with six entering Novice and the rest entering the Open Division. We also had two grapplers travel to the Spartan Country tournament. Our team battled 55 times with 30 ending in victory and placing 13 in the top four.

“Often the focus is put on whether you win or lose,” said Owner and Head Coach, Dave Andrus. “I believe that it is everything leading up to that win or loss. How you conduct yourself is just as important; that response is what makes a champion.”

4th Place Medalists include Casey Eberspeaker in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64/67 lb wt class, Owen Meinke in the 9/10 Novice age group in the 71 lb wt class, Anthony Szubinski, Jr. in the 9/10 Open age group in the 59/63 lb wt class and Maston Wood in the 9/10 Open age group in the 130 lb wt class.

3rd Place Medalist include Bryant Vandermark in the 7/8 Novice age group in the 61 lb wt class and Landon Foss in the 7/8 Open age group in the 49/53 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalist include Lee Braun in the 7/8 Open age group in the 55/58 lb wt class, Chayson Eberspeaker in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 52 lb wt class, Luke Egan in the 7/8 Open age group in the 49/52 lb wt class, Jayden Marcano-Cruz in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 46 lb wt class and Blake Peasley in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64/67 lb wt class.

Champions are Logan Bennett in the 9/10 Novice age group in the 67 lb wt class and Josh Vasquez in the 7/8 Open age group in the 49/52 lb wt class.

If you are interested in learning more about this sport or if your wrestler is looking to compete at the next level, come check us out. We are located in the Cedar Springs Sports Plex, practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

The second tournament of the 2014-2015 MYWA Western Region was hosted by East Kentwood. West Michigan Pursuit brought 23 grapplers to compete with eight entering Novice and the rest entering the Open division. WMP also had three enter into the Manton Madness tournament in the North Region. This is an Open tournament only due to the trophies offered. Our team battled 76 times with 47 ending in victory. This past weekend placed 18 of our young grapplers.

“I had a parent, not associated with WMP, ask me why I do what I do,” said Owner and Head Coach, Dave Andrus. “My response was there will be a day when I am no longer able to coach any more. When that day happens, I would like to look back and say that I made a difference in that wrestlers’ life. He or she is where they are because I had a part of that training.”

This week’s placements are as follows:

4th Place medalists include Kaden Schmid in the 9/10 Novice age group in the 75 lb wt class and Brandson Wood in the 7/8 Open age group in the 46 lb wt class.

3rd Place medalists include Hannah Pienton in the 11/12 Novice age group in the 90 lb wt class, Josh Vasquez in the 7/8 Open age group in the 55 lb wt class and Caleigh Wood in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 40 lb wt class.

2nd Place medalists include Lee Braun in the 7/8 Open age group in the 58 lb wt class, Casey Eberspeaker in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64 lb wt class and Bryant Vandermark in the 7/8 Open age group in the 61 lb wt class.

Champions are Gage Bowen in the 7/8 Open age group in the 97 lb wt class, Chayson Eberspeaker in the 4/5/6 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class, Luke Egan in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class Landon Foss in the 7/8 Open age group in the 49 lb wt class, Jayden Marcano-Cruz in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 46 lb wt class, Kameron Ogden in the 7/8 Novice age group in the 55 lb wt class, Blake Peasley in the 7/8 Open age group in the 61/64 lb wt class, Lucus Pienton in the 13/14/15 Open age group in the 138 lb wt class, Zak Schmid in the11/12 Open age group in the 133 lb wt class, and Maston Wood in the 9/10 Open age group in the 110 lb wt class.

Congratulations to all of you grapplers for stepping out on the mat and working as hard as you do. You truly are the Pursuit of Champions!

Special recognition to Maston Wood for his honesty and strong moral fiber. He found $350 dollars on the floor and turned it in to the head table. The cash was returned to the very appreciative owner and was given a reward for his actions. Thank you Maston for being such an honest young man! Your parents and your coach are very proud of you.

The first tournament of the 2014-2015 MYWA Western Region tournament was hosted by Mona Shores last weekend. West Michigan Pursuit took 21 grapplers to compete, with eight entering Novice and the rest entering the Open division. Our team battled 70 times with 49 ending in victory. Twenty of our young competitors placed in the tournament.

“Looking at the group of kids I have, I have a feeling this will be one of the best groups, as a whole, I’ve had to work with so far. Judging from today’s competition, I am very impressed and excited to see what the season brings,” said Owner and Head Coach, Dave Andrus.”

This week’s placements are as follows:

5th Place Medalist include Chase Sarniak in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class.

4th Place Medalists include Casey Eberspeaker in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64 lb wt class.

3rd Place Medalists include Landon Foss in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class, Blake Peasley in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64 lb wt class, Hannah Pienton in the 11/12 Novice age group in the 90/95 lb wt class, Anthony Szubinski Jr. in the 9/10 Open age group in the 67 lb wt class and Brandson Wood in the 7/8 Open age group in the 46/49 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalist include Lee Braun in the 7/8 Open age group in the 58 lb wt class, Xavier Contreras in the 9/10 Open age group in the 71 lb wt class, Bryan Vandermark in the 7/8 Novice age group in the 61 lb wt class, Luke Egan in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class and Caleigh Wood in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 40 lb wt class.

Champions include Gage Bowen in the 7/8 Open age group in the 82 lb wt class, Chayson Eberspeaker in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 52 lb wt class, Derek Egan in the 13/14 Novice age group, Kameron Ogden in the 7/8 Novice age group in the 55 lb wt class, Kaden Schmid in the 9/10 Novice age group in the 75 lb wt class, Zak Schmid in the11/12 Novice age group in the 133/158 lb wt class, Josh Vasquez in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class and Maston Wood in the 9/10 Open age group in the 100/130 lb wt class.

Congratulations to all of you grapplers for stepping out on the mat and working as hard as you do. You truly are The Pursuit of Champions!

Last weekend was the last tournament before State Finals, which was hosted by Ionia. West Michigan Pursuit brought nine grapplers to compete and eight placed in the top four. The team battled 30 times with 17 ending in victory.

“I admire the kids who did not qualify for State but are still on the pursuit of becoming a Champion,” said Owner and Head Coach, Dave Andrus.”

This week’s placements are as follows:

4th Place Medalists include Hannah Pienton in the 11/12 Novice age group in the 75/80 lb wt class.

3rd Place Medalists include Hunter Chilcote in the 11/12 Novice age group in the 100/105 lb wt class and Gage Bowen in the 7/8 Open age group in the 77 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalist include Nicholas Bartolo in the 7/8 Novice age group in the 67 lb wt class, Derek Egan in the 11/12 Novice age group in the 85 lb wt class, Lucus Pienton in the 13/14 Open age group in the 130/138 lb wt class and Chase Sarniak in the 4/56 Novice age group in the 46 lb wt class.

Champions are Landon Foss in the 4/5/6 age group in the 46 lb wt class.

Please watch for the State Finals results next week, which will be held at the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. Good luck to all of the young grapplers competing next weekend! You truly are The Pursuit of Champions!

This week’s MYWA Western Region tournament was hosted by Sparta. West Michigan Pursuit brought twenty grapplers to compete, half entering Novice and the other half entering the Open division. Our team battled 59 times with 30 ending in victory. This past weekend placed 14 of our young competitors in the top 4.

“I challenged my kids to beat their personal fastest pin for this season and six rose to the challenge. I now owe six King Sized Candy Bars! These kids have heart and a competitive drive to be the best,” said Owner and Head Coach, Dave Andrus. This week’s placements are as follows:

4th Place Medalists include Hunter Chilcote in the 11/12 Novice age group in the 95 lb wt class and Zak Schmid in 11/12 Open age group in the 112/119 lb wt class.

3rd Place Medalists include Blake Longcore in the 13/14 Novice age group in the 107/114 lb wt class and Kaden Schmid in the 9/10 Novice age group in the 71 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalist include Derek Egan in the 11/12 Novice age group in the 80/85 lb wt class, Brocke Fisher in the 11/12 Open age group in the 65/70 lb wt class, Lucus Pienton in the 13/14 Open age group in the 122/130 lb wt class, Colton Schmid in the 7/8 Novice age group in the 61 lb wt class and Maston Wood in the 9/10 Open age group in the 95/100 lb wt class.

Champions are Luke Egan in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 49 lb wt class, Cameron Fess in the 11/12 Open age group in the 85 lb wt class, Jayden Marcano-Cruz in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 43 lb wt class, Cody McHenry in the 13/14 Novice age group in the 155/170 lb wt class and Blake Peasley in the 4/5/6 Open age group in the 49/52/58 lb wt class. Blake still remains undefeated.

Congratulations to all of you grapplers for stepping out on the mat and working as hard as you do. You truly are The Pursuit of Champions!

We somehow missed Brocke Fisher from last week’s Champions. He also took 1st Place at the Tri County tournament in the 11/12 Open age group in the 65 lb wt class. Way to go!

Cameron Fess was a champion in the 11/12 open age group in the 85 pound weight class last weekend.

The Meijer State Games and Tri County hosted competitions last weekend, and West Michigan Pursuit brought 21 grapplers to compete at Tri County and one battled at the Meijer State Games. The Meijer State Games offered Open and Novice divisions and the Tri County tournament was an Open Tournament only. Our team battled 68 times with 35 ending in victory. This past weekend placed 18 of our young competitors in the top 4.

“I am very impressed with the performance consistency of these kids and how hard they work to continuously improve,” remarked owner and head coach Dave Andrus.

This week’s placements are as follows:

4th Place Medalists include Nicholas Bartolo in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64 lb wt class, Hunter Chilcote in the 11/12 Open age group in the 95/100 lb wt class, Nathan Elliston in the 9/10 Open age group in the 80 lb wt class, Blake Longcore in the 13/14 Open age group in the 107 lb wt class and Olivia Male in the 9/10 Open age group in the 71 lb wt class

3rd Place Medalists include Casey Chlebek in the 7/8 Open age group in the 58 lb wt class, AΩustin Ortowski in the 7/8 Open age group in the 82 lb wt class, Lucus Pienton in the 13/14 Open age group in the 122 lb wt class, Jay Smith in the 11/12 Open age group in the 95/100 lb wt class and Ty Whalen in the 11/12 Open age group in the 65/70 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalist include Jayden Marcano-Cruz in the 4/5/6 Open age group in the 43 lb wt class and Corbin Orange in the 11/12 Open age group in the 85 lb wt class.

Champions are Luke Egan in the 4/5/6 Open age group in the 46 lb wt class, Cameron Fess in the 11/12 Open age group in the 85 lb wt class, Nathan Male in the 11/12 Open age group in the 80 lb wt class, Blake Peasley in the 4/5/6 Open age group in the 58 lb wt class and Maston Wood in the 9/10 Open age group in the 100 lb wt class.

Special recognition still applies to Blake Peasley who remains undefeated. Congratulations to all the grapplers for stepping out on the mat and working as hard as you do. You truly are The Pursuit of Champions!

If you are interested in learning more about wrestling, feel free to check out West Michigan Pursuit. They are located in the Cedar Springs Sports Plex and practices are on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.